BY MARK DARE

On the 22nd May 1973 Dolly Parton recorded the iconic hit ‘Jolene’ in RCA Studio B in Nashville (released October 15 of that year).

Around that time the ongoing OPEC oil embargo and the resulting energy shortage caused skyrocketing inflation, exacerbating the national turmoil that preceded President Nixon’s resignation following the Watergate scandal. 

Other major events also shaped the year: Stephen King published his first novel, Carrie, Muhammad Ali and George Foreman slugged it out for the heavyweight title at “The Rumble in the Jungle,” and People Magazine published its first issue. 

Musicians reflected a general malaise. Themes of imprisonment, disillusionment and depression — delivered with sardonic wit and sarcasm — found their way on many of the records released that year. The mood reflects a few of the many reasons these artistic works still resonate.  

It wasn’t her first hit, in fact it wasn’t even her first solo number 1, that honour going to ‘Joshua’ but it was her most successful hit to date … and continues to be revered by the country family especially. It is ranked at No: 211 on Rolling Stones Magazine ‘The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” 

Also a platinum (and in some cases multi platinum) seller from countries as far flung as UK, Canada, Australia, Denmark and Norway.

Nominated for a Grammy twice in 1975 and 1976 (live recording) and the Pentatonix cover version won the award in 2016.

It’s a great tribute for an artist to have someone think enough of their music to record it themselves and Jolene has been covered so many times by so many artists it would be a near impossible and hugely lengthy task to do that in full, but here’s just some from across the musical spectrum:

Olivia Newton John, White Stripes, Miley Cyrus (many times), Mindy Smith (Dolly’s favourite version)…and from the UK Sisters of Mercy, Strawberry Switchblade … the list really does go on and on!

There have even been several ‘respond’ or ‘answer’ tunes to Jolene over the years:

Kirsty MacColl’s ‘Caroline’ (1995) told from the other woman’s point of view.

Jennifer Nettles ‘That Girl’ (2013)

Cam ‘Diane’ (2017)

Chapel Hart ‘You Can Have Him Jolene’ (2021)

David Rotheray (ex Beautiful South) ‘Jolene’s Song’ (2013)

And even a viral parody by English professor Ryan Cordell – Vaccine (2020)

Let’s raise a glass to this day in history when this legendary performer created musical magic in the studio … Happy Birthday Jolene, you may have got what you wanted all those years ago, but I’ll guess who’s laughing now!!